Why do only 20% of Americans exercise enough to impact their health profile significantly?
No one would debate the proven benefits of regular exercise: decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis; reduced blood pressure; maintenance of healthy body weight and improved body image; decreased depression; increased self-esteem; and improved stress management, just to name a few. The American College of Sports Medicine has coined the phrase, “Exercise is Medicine“. You would think that that would motivate us to get out the door and to the gym daily. But even the most devoted exercisers sometimes have difficulty getting motivated to do their daily routine. How to Motivate Yourself When You’ve Lost Momentum can feel challenging, but with the right approach, you can rekindle your enthusiasm. Try the following tips to keep you motivated, excited, and energized about your workouts.
Create your wellness vision by answering the questions, “If I were at my optimum level of health and well-being, what would that look and feel like to me? Why does it truly matter?” When you can answer those questions, see your vision, and feel it in your heart, you will exercise even when you don’t feel like it. Whether it’s climbing mountains with your spouse when you retire, riding bikes with future grandchildren, avoiding debilitating back pain, or looking great in the newest fashions, your motivation will be linked to your reasons for staying fit!
Try the buddy system. Enlist a friend or loved one in your quest for fitness. When you commit to meet someone at the gym or track, and you know they are counting on you, you will make sure to get out the door.
Find a fun activity. Whether spinning, swimming, dance classes, or ice skating, make sure you like what you do. Try new things and mix up the old routines. Everyone gets bored of the same thing day after day.
Create a challenge. Sign up for a race, a walk for charity, or contests at the gym. Having a challenge to work towards will inspire you to keep going.
Build in a reward system. For every 5 pounds you lose, or for every 15 exercise sessions you complete, promise yourself a new exercise outfit, a massage, tickets to a play or concert, or anything else that spells treat for you (except food, of course!). When you feel like skipping a workout, remind yourself of the reward.
Keep an exercise log. Writing down your workouts and seeing your growth and accomplishments over time can be incredibly rewarding. When you are just not in the mood, looking at your log and seeing that a month ago, you could only do five push-ups and now you can easily do 15 will reinforce how far you’ve come.
Hire a certified personal trainer. A good trainer can help you create a program to ensure you achieve results, exercise efficiently and safely, and work through plateaus. Even a few sessions to learn a new routine will help ignite your enthusiasm and motivation.
Couple exercise with another activity you enjoy. Walk on your treadmill while watching your favorite TV show, read on the stationary bike, or jog the track with a friend. Listening to music or audiobooks can make exercise more enjoyable.
Change your self-talk. When the voice in your head says, “I’m just too tired to exercise,” talk back. “Exercise always makes me feel better, and I’ll feel more energized when I’m done.” Another familiar voice is the one that says, “I’ll do it tomorrow or later today.” Follow with, “You know you are just fooling yourself—get it done now, and you’ll feel great!“
Just do it! As the old Nike slogan goes, when all else fails, workout anyway. Give yourself permission to end your session after ten minutes if you still feel like exercise is a struggle that day. Seldom, if ever, will you not complete your workout.
Experiment with the above suggestions and see which ones work for you. Or mix and match and try out different tips each day. After a few weeks, notice whether you feel more motivated and are more consistent with your workouts. Remember, to live your vision and reach your health goals, there is no option. Exercise must be part of your life!
What keeps you motivated to exercise consistently? Leave your comments below. Perhaps your ideas will inspire someone to get off the couch and up and moving!
Remember, it is always easier to stay consistent with exercise when you’re not feeling drained and exhausted. Get your free Personal Energy Score Assessment to keep your energy levels up and avoid burnout! Discover your unique energy profile and get practical tips to stay energized, maintain consistency, and find more enjoyment in your healthy lifestyle journey. Click here to get your free assessment and start making lasting changes today!
